The Galley at Lake Superior State University’s Cisler Center was packed with fans of all ages Tuesday evening as the Lakers men’s basketball team battled the Ferris State University Bulldogs in the Sweet 16 Division 2 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in Indianapolis.
The Watch Party was sponsored by the Division of LSSU Student Affairs.
For those who cheered for the Lakers, there were free chicken wings, cheese, crackers, veggies and chips.
This is the first time the Lakers have made it to the Sweet 16.
Fans cheered on the hometown team watching the game on any one of five large televisions in the Galley.
One local Lakers fan, 84-year-old Jerry Methner, sat among those younger than him, glued to the game.
"It's always fun to be in a crowd, you know, just as long as it doesn't get too rowdy. And it's just right here tonight. I can fit in with young kids or guys my age," Methner said.
Methner has a special connection to the team – he knows coach Steve Hettinga pretty well, along with several of the players.
"If it wasn't for the Lakers sports, I think I would live back down below the bridge," Methner chuckled. "I have become good friends with Steve. We go out to Frank's for breakfast sometimes. I have always been a basketball fan."
Unfortunately for Methner and all the fans, the Lakers ended up losing to the Bulldogs 86-81.
